This award-winning
production has just been revived at Glyndebourne with different
cast, conductor and orchestra (LPO) so itís entirely apposite
to be reminded on DVD of the team that created it last year.
Nicholas Hytnerís admirably unfussy production is as clear-headed,
intelligent and probing as one would expect from the director
of the National Theatre. Most of his predecessors in that post
have scored notable opera hits at Glyndebourne and elsewhere,
so heís following in illustrious footsteps. To say he doesnít
disappoint is an understatement.

Iíve followed his
career on and off since he put himself on the map with a series
of stunning productions at Manchesterís Royal Exchange Theatre
in the early 1980s, and though some of the youthful daring
has gone, itís still clearly the work of the same mind. Hytner
actually concedes that some may find his more mature approach Ďalmost
shockingly traditionalí but I, for one, am perfectly happy
with that. I certainly do not miss the sort of misguided Ďconceptí that
marred, for instance, the Barenboim/ Dorrie Cosi from Berlin
a while back (see review).
It did have some good things in it, but a mixture of slack
conducting and fussy staging undermined the generally good
casting, whereas here at Glyndebourne everything gels in perfect
harmony.

Hytner opts for
a period feel, complete with sumptuous outfits, swords and
hairdos, but Vicky Mortimerís set is admirably simple and clutter-free,
with a few well placed items and a louvered, sliding back panel
suggesting various locations perfectly yet not detracting from
the action. One of Hytnerís hallmarks is expertly choreographed
scene changes, where the actors themselves, helped by the odd
servant/ maid, effortlessly move us from one scene to the next,
usually tailored exactly to the music, like a well-oiled machine
but fresh and vital. Itís a joy to behold, simple yet supremely
effective. Add to that beautifully subtle lighting and this
is a visual treat.

Things are also
helped immeasurably by having a cast who look absolutely right.
The two couples are not too young to be inexperienced but look
great together and have a real chemistry that is funny, moving
and sexy. I last came across Mia Persson as Sophie in Robert
Carsenís thought-provoking Rosenkavalier from Zurich a while
back and was impressed with her acting and vocal abilities.
Her Fiordiligi is even better, a natural vulnerability underlying
any coquettishness. She and the equally-impressive Dora Vondung
(Dorabella) work beautifully together, convincing as sisters
(giggling, whispering etc) but touching and believable, as
well as being in excellent voice, the light mezzo of Vondung
complementing the clear, radiant soprano of Persson. They do
waste comic potential either, particularly in the fake wooing
scenes.

The men are all
excellent, in good voice and relishing these superbly drawn
roles. Iím glad Hytner didnít overdo the disguises for the
central pair, which here amount to no more than a flamboyant
costume, longer hair and the all-important Albanian moustaches,
of which much is made. They look handsome and clearly enjoy
themselves, with deft comic timing where needed but all the
main arias and ensembles beautifully sung, though purists should
note that Ferrandoís ĎAh lo veggioí is, for some unaccountable
reason, omitted. Nicolas Rivenqís Don Alfonso is almost more
avuncular than Machiavellian, an impression helped by his warm,
rounded baritone delivery.

Ainhoa Garmendiaís
Despina is also a delight, truly sung and never descending
into caricature, whilst obviously enjoying her show-stealing
scenes disguised as the doctor and notary.

Another highlight
of this set is the playing of the OAE under Fischer, who maintains
brisk but never breathless tempos, always alive to the needs
of the singers. Wind solos are gorgeous and the whole band
is captured in excellent sound which overcomes the slightly
dry acoustic.

Iíve often moaned
about lack of extras on DVD releases, so itís always a pleasure
to praise Opus Arte, who here give us valuable interviews with
cast, director and conductor, as well as production photo gallery
and illustrated synopsis. Coupled with superb picture and sound
quality, this is as good as it gets for the DVD library, so
if youíre in the market for stimulating theatre that will survive
trends and fads, this has to be on your shortlist.

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